The UConn women’s soccer team (5-2-1) returns home for a third consecutive game to take on the No. 23 Xavier Musketeers (6-2-1) tomorrow at 7 p.m. It will be White and Blue Night at Morrone Stadium.
This will be the second Big East match of the year for both squads.
Since 2021, Xavier boasts a 3-1-1 record against UConn. However, the Huskies won the last matchup, 2-1, in two overtimes back on Nov. 10, 2024.
The Huskies have won four consecutive games, including a victory over St. John’s to open conference play. Sophomore midfielder Taylor Jenkins had a standout performance against the Red Storm, scoring a goal and attempting a team-high four shots.
In each of their last three games, the Huskies have scored at least two goals. Defensively, UConn allowed one goal during their winning streak.
Xavier has won three matches in a row and six of their last seven. They also defeated No. 17 Michigan State, 5-2. Last time out, the Musketeers defeated DePaul, 3-0. A different Musketeer scored each of their three goals in the match.
The team has been propelled by their offense this season. They have scored an average of 3.2 goals per game. They also have scored at least three goals in five matches this season.
Players to watch
#10 Chioma Okafor, senior, forward, Connecticut
Okafor has been UConn’s leader all season. She is a spark plug for the team and is heavily relied on. “Chioma is just a beast out there. She intimidates every team we play against,” Head Coach Margaret Rodriguez told UCTV after the win versus St John’s. The senior has scored three goals this season, two being game winners.
#6 Taylor Jenkins, sophomore, midfielder, Connecticut
Connecticut native Jenkins has seen a major uptick in minutes this season. She started in three matches last season and already has more than doubled that number this season. In eight starts, she has scored two goals. Both goals she scored came in the last two games. In matchup where offense will be pivotal, it will be important that she keeps up this trend.
#6 Elin Hansson, senior, forward, Xavier
Hansson has scored eight goals this season. When the moment is big, she shows up. Against MSU, the senior scored three goals. Her offensive presence is something Connecticut will need to prepare for. In each of the last six matches, she has attempted at least three shots, with at least two of them being shots on goal.
#26 Samantha Erbach, sophomore, forward, Xavier
Erbach has been a great complement to Hansson this season. She has scored six goals and recorded six assists. To add to that, she has attempted 40 shots with 17 being on goal. The forward has been sneakily good this season and the Huskies will need to keep their eyes on her.